Feel supported, rebuild strength, and recover with confidence after pregnancy
Bringing a baby into the world is one of the biggest changes your body will ever go through. Alongside the joy of meeting your little one, it’s common to feel aches, weakness, or uncertainty about how to move and exercise again. Postnatal physiotherapy is about giving you the care, guidance, and confidence to recover, whether you’re six weeks, six months, or even six years after birth.
At North West Healthy Women, we believe postnatal physiotherapy and care should be as important as the preparation during pregnancy. Our team of women’s health physios are here to support your postpartum journey, with care that’s personalised, gentle, and designed to meet you where you’re at.
How postnatal physiotherapy supports recovery
Every pregnancy and birth are unique. For some women, recovery feels straightforward. For others, challenges like abdominal separation, pelvic floor symptoms, or persistent pain can linger.
Some of the common reasons women seek postnatal physiotherapy include:
- Pelvic floor changes such as leakage, urgency, heaviness, or prolapse symptoms
- Back, hip, or pelvic pain
- Difficulty lifting, carrying, or feeling “unsupported” in your core
- Stiffness and discomfort from hours of feeding or carrying
- Uncertainty about exercise and not knowing what’s safe, or when to return to walking, gym, or sport
These experiences are common, but they don’t need to define your recovery or hinder enjoying your new chapter as a mum. With the right guidance, you can restore strength, improve comfort, and feel empowered in your body again.
What’s involved in a physiotherapy consultation?
Often, it’s the pelvic floor that’s often responsible for incontinence in pregnancy. So, our consultations include a pelvic floor assessment. This is a thorough evaluation conducted by a specialised physiotherapist to understand your specific needs and develop an effective treatment plan for your bladder and bowel incontinence. Here’s what to expect:
Our goal is to ensure you feel comfortable and supported throughout the process, aiming for the best possible outcomes.
Women’s health clinic with a difference
Too often, women don’t feel supported or heard – and we’re here to change the narrative. We combine our expertise with a heartfelt approach to ensure you feel understood and cared for in every session.
Postnatal physiotherapy FAQs
When should I start postnatal physiotherapy?
You can begin at any time postpartum if you are experiencing any symptoms that you are concerned about. For general pelvic floor reviews we recommend coming at about 6-8 weeks after your check-up with you Dr or Midwife, but there’s no “too late.” Even years after birth, physio can still help restore function and strength.
What if I have abdominal separation or pelvic floor concerns?
We’ll assess these in your first session and build them into your recovery plan.
How do I prepare for my physiotherapy session?
Consider your symptoms and how they are affecting your daily life currently. You may like to keep a diary of your symptoms and your daily habits. Bringing a list of your questions and concerns can also be beneficial. Wear comfortable clothing that allows for easy movement.
What if I have my period?
If you are comfortable attending your appointment, our physios are also comfortable to continue with your session. If you feel more comfortable to wait until your period is over, we can also easily reschedule for another date.
Do I need a referral to see a physiotherapist for abdominal separation?
No, you don’t need a referral or doctor’s clearance to see us. Our experienced practitioners are skilled in managing various medical conditions and will ensure all activities are safe and suitable for your situation. We collaborate closely with Brisbane Pelvic Floor Specialists and Gynecologists and are happy to coordinate with them to support your rehabilitation.
Start your recovery with postnatal physiotherapy at North West Healthy Women
Whether you’re newly postpartum or still feeling the effects months (or years) later, we’re here to support you.
Your recovery journey begins the moment you reach out, and from there our women’s health physios will help you rebuild strength, restore connection to your core, and move with confidence.